The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the timely delivery of the Abuja (Mararraba)-Keffi section of the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Dual Carriageway, with assurances that the project will be completed by June 2026. This assurance was given after an inspection of the project site on Saturday, 10th May 2025, led by the Honourable Minister of State for Works (HMS), Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq. The Minister was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Olufunsho O. Adebiyi, and other key officials.
During the inspection, the Minister provided details about the project, confirming that the Mararraba-Keffi section constitutes the first segment of a larger infrastructure contract. The section spans a total of 87.3 kilometers (43.65 kilometers per carriageway) and is part of a strategic road network that connects Abuja to Lafia, Makurdi, Enugu, Port Harcourt, and other key regions across Nigeria. Goronyo highlighted that the road is vital for enhancing mobility, reducing travel time, and stimulating economic activities across multiple states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Abia, Imo, and Rivers.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress of work, the Minister revealed that 42% of the project has already been completed. He expressed confidence that the project would meet the projected June 2026 completion date. “This is a commendable progress. Our goal is to ensure that the full stretch from Abuja to Port Harcourt is completed by June 2026. We are grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing this critical infrastructure, which will not only transform the national economy but also improve regional connectivity and the quality of life for Nigerians,” said Goronyo.
The Minister assured that funding would not impede the timely execution of the project, stating that it is a priority initiative under a special funding arrangement. “Once certified payment claims are submitted, the Ministry is ready to process and disburse funds without delay,” he added.
In a technical briefing, the Federal Controller of Works for the FCT, Engr. Yakubu Usman, provided further updates on the project’s progress. The dual carriageway will feature a two-way six-lane structure with outer shoulders, although the project will also improve the existing road design to enhance traffic flow and safety by including inner shoulders. Usman reported that site clearing, scarification, and 80% completion of the stone base and binder coarse had been achieved. Additionally, work is progressing on the median drains and rigid shoulders.
Addressing the challenges posed by high traffic volumes and densely populated areas along the corridor, Usman stated that the Ministry has been collaborating with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other law enforcement agencies to ensure smooth traffic flow during construction. He also noted that the contractor had implemented a night-time work schedule in critical areas to minimize disruptions to daily public activities.
The Project Manager from China Harbour Engineering Company (Nig.) Ltd. (CHEC), Mr. Ronald Liao, also expressed confidence in the timely completion of the project, emphasizing that with continued support from the Ministry and relevant stakeholders, the company would deliver the project according to the planned design and within the stipulated timeframe.
The Abuja-Keffi road expansion project is a key component of the Federal Government’s broader infrastructure development agenda aimed at improving the country’s transportation networks and boosting economic growth through better regional connectivity.
